In a country used to whimsical mascots, even Japanese people are somewhat surprised by “Bonito Man,” better known in the country as Katsuo Ningen, the loincloth-clad, humanoid skipjack tuna that represents Kochi, one of Japan's most isolated prefectures.

Why the surprise?

When viewed from behind, it's apparent that Katsuo Ningen is a giant severed fish head:

All in all, Katsuo Ningen's popularity is a triumph for rural Kochi Prefecture. The mascot takes its name and shape from the skipjack fish that people all over Japan have traditionally associated with Kochi Prefecture.

Dried skipjack is a core ingredient of Japanese cooking, and is used in many regions to create soup stock and as a garnish. The fishery in Kochi has long provided the country with the bulk of this key staple of Japanese cuisine.

When it comes to katsuo, Kochi is the first place that comes to mind for many people in Japan.

A replica of a katsuo, or skipjack, at a souvenir shop in Tatsurahama in Kochi Japan. Photo courtesy Nevin Thompson

Keeping Kochi top of mind in Japan is a priority for the prefecture's residents. Located on the Pacific coast of the island Shikoku, Kochi is surrounded by mountains and far from any high-speed rail links. The prefecture is hard to get to, and so there is an ongoing battle to keep tourists — and the money they spend — flowing into Kochi.

Promoting industries such as tourism is also a priority. The prefecture regularly reports the lowest hourly wages and annual household income of any prefecture in Japan, with some of the highest youth unemployment rates.

The ongoing brain drain to Tokyo also means Kochi is ageing more rapidly than other prefectures.